
Hosted by Simon Hughes · EN

The first Test of the summer is here - the 150th ever staged at Lord's - an opportune moment for England to banish their Ashes ills. Can Stokes and McCullum be realigned on their philosophies and make England more than the sum of their parts, rather than less? The public demand it after the woes of last winter. Simon Hughes and Simon Mann are joined by double Ashes winner Matt Prior to debate how England rediscover their mojo and get back on the winning road. Prior also recalls the joy of making your Test debut at the Home of Cricket (which he celebrated by making a hundred) and assesses how Jamie Smith will go as England's first choice keeper. This podcast is supported by SumUp - Making Tax Digital. For more information visit https://www.sumup.com/en-gb/business-account/making-tax-digital/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Part 2 of our discussion on the art of commentary and how the radio version differs from TV. Simon Hughes, Simon Mann and Gavin Scovell, ICC senior TV director, share invaluable insights into the best (and worst) approaches to commentary, including techniques for effective communication, handling live broadcast challenges, and building a career in sports media. Much of what is discussed here is applicable to any kind of public speaking or indeed communication in general. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

A eulogy to another incredible performance by the extraodinary 15 year old Vaibhav Sooryavanchi in the IPL. In yesterday's innings of 97 in 29 balls he surpassed Chris Gayle's record tally of 59 sixes in one edition of the IPL. Sooryavanchi has now hit 65, many off some of the world's greatest bowlers - Pat Cummins was struck for 4 yesterday. Sooryavanchi has also resumed his place at the top of the IPL runmakers leaderboard with 680 at a strike rate of 240. And this on the day (May 27th 1938) when Sir Donald Bradman became the only man to twice score 1000 first class runs before the end of May (the previous time was in 1930.) Sooryavanchi is exhibiting the same incredible dominance and almost comic-book supremacy as Bradman did then. #india #ipl #power #unstoppable Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

As the international summer gets properly underway, we analyse cricket commentary, how to get into it, what's the best approach , a few basic rules of engagement, some do's and don'ts.. We are joined by Gavin Scovell, senior ICC TV director who has directed a number of major events including World Cup finals and trained some of the most familiar voices on the airwaves. This is the first episode of a 2-part series and we are supported by SumUp - Making Tax Digital. For more information visit https://www.sumup.com/en-gb/business-account/making-tax-digital/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In our latest IPL catch up, Simon Hughes and Deep Dasgupta focus on the three teams who have made it into the play-offs with one Gujurat Tiltans focussing as much on pace bowling as power hitting, with Kagiso Rabada bowling 92 mph rockets. The final qualifying place is still in the balance, to be decided this weekend. Can the precocious teenager Vaibhav Sooryavanshi pull off another astonishing innings for the Rajasthan Royals. Probably given his last remarkable innings... Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The recent announcement of an imminent change in the Laws of Cricket regarding bats will have a big effect on English willow producers. Simon Hughes went to Suffolk to experience the crafting of the willow clefts from which many of the world's great runmakers bats have come, including Sachin Tendulkar's. From October cricket bats in adult cricket do not have to be made from only one complete piece of willow as they have been since pretty much the beginning of time. When the new law has been introduced you’ll be able to use laminated bats – that basically can be made of several pieces of wood. This interview with Guy and Will Foskett reveals why the change is being made, what effect it will have and what you should look out for when choosing a new bat. And if you want to see how it all happens for yourself go to the Analyst YouTube channel and watch the video Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

A review of some strange occurrances in the latest round of county championship matches, and some of your questions answered. Including - has Surrey's bubble burst, why is Jofra Archer not coming back for the first Test, how did Harry Brook take 3-11 and why is there no electrician at Taunton to fix the floodlights. This podcast is in association with SumUp - visit https://www.sumup.com/en-gb/business-account/making-tax-digital/ for more information Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Emilio Gay, Sonny Baker, James Rew, and Rehan Ahmed are the (relatively) new faces in the England squad for the first Test against New Zealand in June. There is also a recall for Ollie Robinson. Zak Crawley is the main fall guy from the Ashes, plus Will Jacks, while Jofra Archer was not considered as he is still at the IPL (mind you so are Jacob Bethell and Rehan Ahmed.) Simon Hughes and Simon Mann analyse the selections and predict England's likely starting XI. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

On the day Sonny Baker is selected for the England Test squad, Simon Hughes interviews the new fast bowling hope at his home ground. He talks about the people who’ve influenced him including Brett Lee and Jason Gillespie and overcoming the disappointment of his two one day international appearances last year. Also how Bone Broth and a meat-based diet has got him faster and fitter and which star player he would love to be for a day. For more information on Asthi Bone Broth visit www.weareasthi.co.uk Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

After the latest round of County Championship matches we are sure of one England opener after Ben Duckett's excellent undefeated double hundred for Notts today. But after a shocking dismissal for 17 continuing a poor run of scores, Zak Crawley's fate is sealed. Simon Hughes and Simon Mann lament the fading of his star, and consider the likely replacements. They also discuss the astonishing hattrick on debut by Glamorgan's Tom Norton, Josh Tongue's continued hostility with the ball which caused England teammate Gus Atkinson to summon a concussion substitute, and which spinner, if any, will get the England call-up. This podcast is in association with SumUp and Making Tax Digital. Visit https://www.sumup.com/en-gb/business-account/making-tax-digital/ for more details Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices